Cycads, also known as "schizophylla" or "phoenix," are ancient and rare relict plants belonging to the cycad family. These evergreen trees have a long history and are highly valued for their unique appearance and resilience. In China, the most common cultivar is the mountain cycad from Fujian, but in recent years, varieties such as Sichuan's Panzhihua cycad and Yunnan cycad have also gained popularity and are being cultivated widely.
Su Tie, a popular variety of cycad, can grow up to 8 meters tall when planted in the ground, while potted specimens usually reach 2 to 3 meters. The trunk is thick and cylindrical, covered with dense, dark brown dried leaf bases that create a pineapple-like texture. These plants rarely branch out naturally. Instead, older plants often produce new shoots from adventitious buds, forming small stems called suckers. These must be rooted properly. At the top of the stem, large, feathery leaves cluster together. The length of the leaves corresponds to the tree's age, with some reaching up to 2 meters long and having over 100 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are closely arranged along the petiole, giving them a leathery, sturdy feel. Each year, a new set of leaves emerges from the center of the plant, while the older ones gradually dry and fall off.
Cycads are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers. Female inflorescences are rounded and palmate, covered in brownish hair, while male inflorescences resemble pine cones and are yellow in color. Flowering typically occurs between July and August. The seeds are oval, slightly flattened, and have a bright red, glossy surface.
These plants thrive in sunny conditions but can tolerate partial shade. They prefer warm, humid, and well-ventilated environments. However, they are not cold-tolerant and should not be grown in regions north of the Yangtze River. In spring and autumn, potted cycads should be protected from direct sunlight, and during hot summer rains, they should be kept away from excessive moisture. Cycads require acidic soil; alkaline soil often causes yellowing of the leaves. While they are not overly demanding in terms of nutrients, poor soil can cause growth to slow down significantly, sometimes resulting in no new leaves for many years. Cycads grow very slowly, with stems increasing by only 1 to 2 cm annually, and they can live for up to 200 years.
Propagation is typically done through suckers. When a stem reaches about 1 meter in height, it may develop one or two smaller stems, which can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a mix of vermiculite and humus soil. The soil should be kept at around 40% moisture in a warm, shaded environment. By late spring, roots and new shoots should begin to appear. If no leaves emerge, covering the pot with a plastic film can help stimulate growth. If the sucker is removed too early, its initial growth will be slow. It’s best to leave the sucker on the mother plant for 2 to 3 years before transplanting, as this increases the chances of successful rooting and sprouting.
When planting cycads in pots, choose containers that match the size of the plant. Use a slightly acidic, sandy soil rich in organic matter, which is loose, fertile, and well-draining. Ensure the bottom of the pot has a large drainage hole, and place a layer of broken tiles at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. It's not necessary to repot every year, but regular feeding with organic liquid fertilizer is essential. Using sesame paste or bean cake water helps keep the leaves green and shiny. In northern areas, where water tends to be slightly alkaline, adding a 1/500 ferrous sulfate solution to the water for about two weeks can help maintain healthy foliage. During summer, keep the soil consistently moist, and in winter, move the plant to a low-temperature greenhouse for protection. In late spring, around mid-April, bring the plant outdoors. If grown in a greenhouse with high temperatures, new leaves may appear in early spring, but they should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions under shade before being exposed to full sun. Otherwise, the new leaves may suffer from sunburn.
Cycads are susceptible to scale insects, which often hide on the underside of the leaflets. Poor ventilation can lead to sooty mold, so good air circulation is important. Regular monitoring and timely pesticide application are recommended to control infestations.
Smaller cycads are ideal for indoor decoration, placed on desks or in living spaces. They can also be used for bonsai cultivation, offering an elegant and timeless aesthetic.
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